New Bush museum a journey of hope, tragedy and healing

Updated 9:57 am, Monday, May 13, 2013

Photo: Tony Gutierrez / Associated Press

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World Trade Center tower beams are shown on display as a visitor enters the 9/11 exhibit at the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum, on the campus of Southern Methodist University in Dallas. The statues (left) of George W. Bush and his father, George H.W. Bush, are next to Freedom Hall.

World Trade Center tower beams are shown on display as a visitor enters the 9/11 exhibit at the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum, on the campus of Southern Methodist University in Dallas. The

Timothy Foia (left) of Seattle Wa., makes a photo of his father, Victor, of Romania, as he sits at the desk in the Oval Office replica at the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum.

Timothy Foia (left) of Seattle Wa., makes a photo of his father, Victor, of Romania, as he sits at the desk in the Oval Office replica at the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum.

Photo: Tony Gutierrez / Associated Press

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The Texas Rose Garden at the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum is outside the Oval Office replica.

The Texas Rose Garden at the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum is outside the Oval Office replica.

Photo: David Hendricks / San Antonio Express-News

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Statues of former Presidents George W. Bush (L) and his father George H.W. Bush are on display during a tour of the George W. Bush Presidential Center on the campus of Southern Methodist University on April 24, 2013 in Dallas, Texas. Dedication of the George W. Bush Presidential Library is to take place on April 25 with all five living U.S. Presidents in attendance and an expected 8,000 invitation-only guests. less

Statues of former Presidents George W. Bush (L) and his father George H.W. Bush are on display during a tour of the George W. Bush Presidential Center on the campus of Southern Methodist University on April 24, ... more

Photo: Kevork Djansezian, Getty Images

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A picture taken March 26, 2013 shows the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum in Dallas, Texas. The George W. Bush Presidential Center will be dedicated April 25th in Dallas on the campus of Southern Methodist University. less

A picture taken March 26, 2013 shows the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum in Dallas, Texas. The George W. Bush Presidential Center will be dedicated April 25th in Dallas on the campus of Southern ... more

Photo: MLADEN ANTONOV, Getty Images

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Former President George W. Bush and Alan Lowe, director of the George W. Bush Presidential Center arrive for a signing ceremony for the joint use agreement between the National Archive and the George W. Bush Presidential Center on the campus of Southern Methodist University on April 24, 2013 in Dallas, Texas. Dedication of the George W. Bush Presidential Library is to take place on April 25 with all five living U.S. Presidents in attendance. less

Former President George W. Bush and Alan Lowe, director of the George W. Bush Presidential Center arrive for a signing ceremony for the joint use agreement between the National Archive and the George W. Bush ... more

Photo: Kevork Djansezian, Getty Images

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A photo from the September 11 terrorist attacks portion of the George W. Bush Presidential Center on the campus of Southern Methodist University is displayed on April 24, 2013 in Dallas, Texas. Dedication of the George W. Bush Presidential Library is to take place on April 25 with all five living U.S. Presidents in attendance and an expected 8,000 invitation-only guests. less

A photo from the September 11 terrorist attacks portion of the George W. Bush Presidential Center on the campus of Southern Methodist University is displayed on April 24, 2013 in Dallas, Texas. Dedication of ... more

Photo: Kevork Djansezian, Getty Images

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A recreated White House Oval Office is seen during a tour of the George W. Bush Presidential Center on the campus of Southern Methodist University on April 24, 2013 in Dallas, Texas. Dedication of the George W. Bush Presidential Library is to take place on April 25 with all five living U.S. Presidents in attendance. less

A recreated White House Oval Office is seen during a tour of the George W. Bush Presidential Center on the campus of Southern Methodist University on April 24, 2013 in Dallas, Texas. Dedication of the George ... more

Photo: Kevork Djansezian, Getty Images

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Boots commemorating George W. Bush's tenure as general managing partner of the Texas Rangers are displayed at the George W. Bush Presidential Center on the campus of Southern Methodist University on April 24, 2013 in Dallas, Texas. Dedication of the George W. Bush Presidential Library is to take place on April 25 with all five living U.S. Presidents in attendance and an expected 8,000 invitation-only guests. less

Boots commemorating George W. Bush's tenure as general managing partner of the Texas Rangers are displayed at the George W. Bush Presidential Center on the campus of Southern Methodist University on April 24, ... more

Photo: Kevork Djansezian, Getty Images

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A display on the Bush administration's faith-based and community initiative is seen at the George W. Bush Presidential Center on the campus of Southern Methodist University i seen on April 24, 2013 in Dallas, Texas. Dedication of the George W. Bush Presidential Library is to take place on April 25 with all five living U.S. Presidents in attendance and an expected 8,000 invitation-only guests. less

A display on the Bush administration's faith-based and community initiative is seen at the George W. Bush Presidential Center on the campus of Southern Methodist University i seen on April 24, 2013 in Dallas, ... more

Photo: Kevork Djansezian, Getty Images

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Bronze statues of former Presidents George W. Bush (R) and his father George H.W. Bush are on display during a tour of the George W. Bush Presidential Center on the campus of Southern Methodist University on April 24, 2013 in Dallas, Texas. Dedication of the George W. Bush Presidential Library is to take place on April 25 with all five living U.S. Presidents in attendance and an expected 8,000 people for the invitation-only dedication of the center . less

Bronze statues of former Presidents George W. Bush (R) and his father George H.W. Bush are on display during a tour of the George W. Bush Presidential Center on the campus of Southern Methodist University on ... more

Photo: Kevork Djansezian, Getty Images

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Steel dog bowls with paw shaped feet given as a gift to Presidents George W. Bush sit on display at the George W. Bush Presidential Center on the campus of Southern Methodist University on April 24, 2013 in Dallas, Texas. Dedication of the George W. Bush Presidential Library is to take place on April 25 with all five living U.S. Presidents in attendance and an expected 8,000 invitation-only guests. less

Steel dog bowls with paw shaped feet given as a gift to Presidents George W. Bush sit on display at the George W. Bush Presidential Center on the campus of Southern Methodist University on April 24, 2013 in ... more

Photo: Kevork Djansezian, Getty Images

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The bullhorn President George W. Bush used at Ground Zero after the September 11 terrorist attacks is on display at the George W. Bush Presidential Center on the campus of Southern Methodist University on April 24, 2013 in Dallas, Texas. Dedication of the George W. Bush Presidential Library is to take place on April 25 with all five living U.S. Presidents in attendance and an expected 8,000 invitation-only guests. less

The bullhorn President George W. Bush used at Ground Zero after the September 11 terrorist attacks is on display at the George W. Bush Presidential Center on the campus of Southern Methodist University on April ... more

Photo: Kevork Djansezian, Getty Images

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A pistol captured with Saddam Hussein on December, 13, 2003, is displayed during a tour of the George W. Bush Presidential Center on the campus of Southern Methodist University on April 24, 2013 in Dallas, Texas. Dedication of the George W. Bush Presidential Library is to take place on April 25 with all five living U.S. Presidents in attendance and an expected 8,000 invitation-only guests. less

A pistol captured with Saddam Hussein on December, 13, 2003, is displayed during a tour of the George W. Bush Presidential Center on the campus of Southern Methodist University on April 24, 2013 in Dallas, ... more

Photo: Kevork Djansezian, Getty Images

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A display of presidential campaign memorabilia is seen at the George W. Bush Presidential Center on the campus of Southern Methodist University i seen on April 24, 2013 in Dallas, Texas. Dedication of the George W. Bush Presidential Library is to take place on April 25 with all five living U.S. Presidents in attendance and an expected 8,000 invitation-only guests. less

A display of presidential campaign memorabilia is seen at the George W. Bush Presidential Center on the campus of Southern Methodist University i seen on April 24, 2013 in Dallas, Texas. Dedication of the ... more

Photo: Kevork Djansezian, Getty Images

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A display on Building a Hopeful People is seen at the George W. Bush Presidential Center on the campus of Southern Methodist University i seen on April 24, 2013 in Dallas, Texas. Dedication of the George W. Bush Presidential Library is to take place on April 25 with all five living U.S. Presidents in attendance and an expected 8,000 invitation-only guests. less

A display on Building a Hopeful People is seen at the George W. Bush Presidential Center on the campus of Southern Methodist University i seen on April 24, 2013 in Dallas, Texas. Dedication of the George W. ... more

Photo: Kevork Djansezian, Getty Images

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A lion presented to President George W. Bush by Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete during his trip to Africa in 2008 is seen at the George W. Bush Presidential Center on the campus of Southern Methodist University i seen on April 24, 2013 in Dallas, Texas. Dedication of the George W. Bush Presidential Library is to take place on April 25 with all five living U.S. Presidents in attendance and an expected 8,000 invitation-only guests. less

A lion presented to President George W. Bush by Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete during his trip to Africa in 2008 is seen at the George W. Bush Presidential Center on the campus of Southern Methodist ... more

Photo: Kevork Djansezian, Getty Images

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The 360-degree LED high definition video wall inside the Freedom Hall is seen at the George W. Bush Presidential Center on the campus of Southern Methodist University on April 24, 2013 in Dallas, Texas. The video wall orients visitors to the museum's permanent and temporary exhibits. Dedication of the George W. Bush Presidential Library is to take place on April 25 with all five living U.S. Presidents in attendance including 8,000 invitation only guests. less

The 360-degree LED high definition video wall inside the Freedom Hall is seen at the George W. Bush Presidential Center on the campus of Southern Methodist University on April 24, 2013 in Dallas, Texas. The ... more

Photo: Kevork Djansezian, Getty Images

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Steel beams from the World Trade Center are displayed in the September 11 terrorist attacks portion of the George W. Bush Presidential Center on the campus of Southern Methodist University on April 24, 2013 in Dallas, Texas. Dedication of the George W. Bush Presidential Library is to take place on April 25 with all five living U.S. Presidents in attendance and an expected 8,000 invitation-only guests. less

Steel beams from the World Trade Center are displayed in the September 11 terrorist attacks portion of the George W. Bush Presidential Center on the campus of Southern Methodist University on April 24, 2013 in ... more

Photo: Kevork Djansezian, Getty Images

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Former President George W. Bush looks at the 360-degree LED high definition video wall inside the Freedom Hall as he participates in a signing ceremony for the joint use agreement between the National Archive and the George W. Bush Presidential Center on the campus of Southern Methodist University on April 24, 2013 in Dallas, Texas. Dedication of the George W. Bush Presidential Library is to take place on April 25 with all five living U.S. Presidents in attendance. less

Former President George W. Bush looks at the 360-degree LED high definition video wall inside the Freedom Hall as he participates in a signing ceremony for the joint use agreement between the National Archive ... more

Photo: Kevork Djansezian, Getty Images

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George W. Bush Presidential Center president, Ambassador Mark Langdale and national archivist David Ferriero sign a joint use agreement for the George W. Bush Presidential Center on the campus of Southern Methodist University on April 24, 2013 in Dallas, Texas. Looking on from rear (L-R), board chairman of the George W. Bush Presidential Center, Secretary Don Evans, former first lady Laura Bush, former President George W. Bush, and Bush Center director Alan Lowe. Dedication of the George W. Bush Presidential Library is to take place on April 25 with all five living U.S. Presidents in attendance. less

George W. Bush Presidential Center president, Ambassador Mark Langdale and national archivist David Ferriero sign a joint use agreement for the George W. Bush Presidential Center on the campus of Southern ... more

Photo: Kevork Djansezian, Getty Images

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Former first lady Laura Bush looks at the 360-degree LED high definition video wall inside the Freedom Hall during signing ceremony for the joint use agreement between the National Archive and the George W. Bush Presidential Center on the campus of Southern Methodist University on April 24, 2013 in Dallas, Texas. The video wall orients visitors to the museum's permanent and temporary exhibits. Dedication of the George W. Bush Presidential Library is to take place on April 25 with all five living U.S. Presidents in attendance. less

Former first lady Laura Bush looks at the 360-degree LED high definition video wall inside the Freedom Hall during signing ceremony for the joint use agreement between the National Archive and the George W. ... more

Photo: Kevork Djansezian, Getty Images

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Ceremony participants look at the 360-degree LED high definition video wall inside the Freedom Hall during signing ceremony for the joint use agreement between the National Archive and the George W. Bush Presidential Center on the campus of Southern Methodist University on April 24, 2013 in Dallas, Texas. Dedication of the George W. Bush Presidential Library is to take place on April 25 with all five living U.S. Presidents in attendance. less

Ceremony participants look at the 360-degree LED high definition video wall inside the Freedom Hall during signing ceremony for the joint use agreement between the National Archive and the George W. Bush ... more

Photo: Kevork Djansezian, Getty Images

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Former first lady Laura Bush and Alan Lowe, director of the George W. Bush Presidential Library, arrive for a media availabilty during a tour of the George W. Bush Presidential Center on the campus of Southern Methodist University on April 24, 2013 in Dallas, Texas. Dedication of the library is to take place on April 25 with all five living U.S. Presidents in attendance. less

Former first lady Laura Bush and Alan Lowe, director of the George W. Bush Presidential Library, arrive for a media availabilty during a tour of the George W. Bush Presidential Center on the campus of Southern ... more

Photo: Kevork Djansezian, Getty Images

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Steel beams from the World Trade Center are displayed in the 9/11 terrorist attacks portion of the George W. Bush Presidential Center on the campus of Southern Methodist University on April 24, 2013 in Dallas, Texas. Dedication of the George W. Bush Presidential Library is to take place on April 25 with all five living U.S. Presidents in attendance. less

Steel beams from the World Trade Center are displayed in the 9/11 terrorist attacks portion of the George W. Bush Presidential Center on the campus of Southern Methodist University on April 24, 2013 in Dallas, ... more

After passing through security, visitors will first encounter show windows, along both sides of a round information desk, exhibiting ceremonial gifts to the Bush administration from different regions of the world.

A few steps beyond that is high-ceiling Freedom Hall, the largest open space inside the library. Pausing a few minutes, visitors look up to see a 360-degree video loop on four second-floor walls.

As stirring orchestral music plays, the videos show landscapes of Texas and Washington, D.C., and imagery of the military, arts, sports and academia. Some of the scenes suddenly turn into what appears to be bas-relief friezes.

Most visitors then will turn left into the museum section, with the first room announcing the year 2000 election of George W. Bush as the 43rd president. Photos of the young Bush couple are displayed and video monitors replay news of the Florida vote recounts and the U.S. Supreme Court decision that tipped the election for Republican Bush over Democrat nominee Al Gore.

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The next room is the one full of hope and goals with displays on what the Bush administration expected to be its top working issues. Over here is education reform, called “No Child Left Behind.” Over there are materials on faith-based initiatives promoting personal responsibility and economic opportunities. The start of tee-ball games on the White House lawns is recalled. Displays of books and posters acknowledge the National Book Festival, promoted by Laura Bush as the president's wife.

Then a corner is turned, and stark, violent reality strikes.

A twisted steel beam from the World Trade Center stretches from the floor to the ceiling. The walls of the round room list the names of the victims of the terrorist attacks in New York, Washington and Pennsylvania on Sept. 11, 2001. Video monitors show the burning, exploding and collapsing twin towers.

A short round barrier at the steel beam's base invites visitors to touch it.

The Bush administration's reaction follows in the museum's flow. A video loop shows the president stating his resolve to protect Americans and features his speech to Ground Zero workers. The bullhorn Bush used is shown in a display case beneath the video board.

Visitors then move to the two wars that no one envisioned at the start of the Bush presidency. A touch-screen “situation table” is an encyclopedia on the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Visitors can manipulate the touch screen to view maps, documents, videos and photos.

“This is history on a table,” said museum docent Dennis D'Amico, who enjoys showing visitors how to operate the table. “It's like a giant computer tablet.”

Not surprising is an interior-lighted globe where visitors can see the growth in democracy nations over the decades. Touch one button to see the 22 countries light up that were democracies in 1950. There were 70 in 1989 and 121 in 2008 as Bush left office.

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Online tickets may be purchased in advance: www. georgewbushlibrary.smu.edu

email information: gwbush@nara.gov

The full-sized Oval Office replica is nearby. The details are revealing. A bluebonnet landscape painting by Julian Onderdonk on one wall is titled “Near San Antonio.” On another wall is an unidentified painting of the Alamo church depicting a period when chili queens cooked in the plaza.

Feel free to have your photo taken while sitting at the president's replica desk. It's a power trip.

Life in the White House is the theme for displays near the Oval Office. Laura Bush gowns, statuettes of presidential pets Barney and Spot and letters from children are shown. Visits by championship sports teams are recalled. A display shows the football presented to Bush by the 2005 national college champs, the Texas Longhorns.

A small theater with seating shows the lighter side of presidential life in a video featuring Bush daughters Jenna and Barbara. Visitors will hear how badly President Bush sang.

The museum continues with the Decision Points theater. Several rooms of seating and programmed video screens allow visitors to hear the pros and cons of issues surrounding four key episodes of the Bush presidency — the “threat of Saddam Hussein,” Hurricane Katrina, the Iraqi War surge and the 2008 financial crisis.

“Breaking news” interrupts the debates. Visitors can select their own course of action, and then Bush appears on the main video to explain the decisions he made.

Other highlights of the presidential library are the outdoor Texas Rose Garden with its lily pool and the patio outside Freedom Hall that features slightly larger-than-life bronze statues of George W. Bush and his father, George H.W. Bush, the 41st president. Visitors like to hold hands with “W” while posing for photos.

A small theater room shows a 10-minute video titled “A Charge to Keep.” A nice moment comes when the film shows New Yorkers at a 2001 World Series game at Yankee Stadium chanting, with Bush present, “We're back!”

What first-day visitors on May 1 seemed to enjoy most were the Oval Office replica and the 9/11 video in which President Bush addressed the Ground Zero workers with the bullhorn. Some visitors were clearly moved by reliving the news.

The Decisions Point theater was not attracting much attention in the first hours of public visitation, even though the “Doonesbury” cartoon series was making light of it that week. The reason seemed to be unfamiliarity with the touch-screen interaction and the policy-wonkiness of the presentation. There won't ever be long lines of people waiting to get into the theater.

The actual display area seems small compared to the outer appearance of the building. A large amount of material is packed into the museum area, though. Not much walking is required. Most people would spend no more than about three hours in the library/museum.

Rounding out the museum are a restaurant and a coffee shop titled “Café 43.” The museum store sells clothing, puzzles, baseballs, golf accessories, stuffed animals, ceramics and a selection of books, including San Antonio author Sandra Cisneros' “The House on Mango Street.”

The museum opened to the public May 1 after its April 25 dedication. Like the other presidential libraries, the facility is operated by the National Archives and Records Administration, which expects the Bush library in Dallas to attract about 300,000 visitors a year.

The library, facing north, is adjoined by the George W. Bush Institute building, which houses a public policy center and faces west toward the SMU campus.